10 artworks you can’t miss at NYC’s Met Museum

10 famous artworks you should see at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Planning a visit to one of the world’s most iconic museums? The Met’s collection spans more than 5,000 years, so it helps to have a short list to start with.

This quick guide highlights ten well-known works in the collection. Because gallery availability can change, it’s smart to check each artwork’s “On view” status on The Met’s site before you map your route.

A museum spanning 5,000 years

The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses art that spans more than 5,000 years of human history.

From ancient civilizations to modern works, the collection reflects cultures from around the world. Walking through its galleries can feel like traveling across time, with each room offering a different perspective on art, history, and creativity.

Washington Crossing the Delaware

Painted in 1851 by Emanuel Leutze, this large-scale artwork captures a dramatic moment from the American Revolution.

Displayed in Gallery 760, the painting is known for its bold composition and sense of movement. Visitors often stop to take in its sheer size and detail, making it one of the most recognizable works in the museum’s American Wing.

Temple of Dendur

The Temple of Dendur is one of the most striking installations inside The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Originally built in ancient Egypt, the structure was relocated and carefully reconstructed inside the museum.

Today, it sits in Gallery 131, surrounded by a reflecting pool and natural light, creating a calm and immersive space that feels far removed from the city outside.

Raphael’s Renaissance Masterpiece

This altarpiece by Raphael dates to around 1504 and reflects the harmony and balance of Renaissance art.

Located in Gallery 899, the painting showcases Raphael’s early style and attention to detail. It offers a glimpse into one of the most influential periods in European art history, where composition and clarity were central to artistic expression.

Autumn Rhythm by Jackson Pollock

Jackson Pollock created Autumn Rhythm (Number 30) in 1950, using the poured-and-dripped approach that became central to his “action painting” style.

The work is in The Met’s collection, but it is not currently on view. If you’re hoping to see it in person, check The Met’s listing before your visit and build your route around what’s actually on the walls that day.

Wheat Field with Cypresses

Painted in 1889, this Van Gogh landscape was made during his time in the south of France and is on view at The Met in Gallery 822. It’s a standout example of his energetic brushwork, with wind, heat, and movement built into the paint strokes.

Van Gogh painted the first version from nature in late June 1889, then revisited the composition in additional versions, including a smaller copy for the family.

Seeing him return to the same motif helps visitors spot what he changed—and what he kept—across each pass.

View of Toledo

This dramatic landscape by El Greco dates to around 1599–1600. Widely considered the artist’s finest landscape, it depicts Toledo, the city where he spent much of his life and career.

Located in Gallery 619, the painting stands out for its stormy skies and expressive style. Unlike many traditional landscapes of its time, it emphasizes mood and atmosphere, giving Toledo an almost otherworldly presence.

The Death of Socrates

Jacques-Louis David painted The Death of Socrates in 1787, capturing a powerful moment from ancient philosophy.

The work reflects neoclassical ideals, emphasizing clarity, structure, and moral themes. It portrays Socrates calmly facing his fate, turning a historical event into a timeless visual story about conviction and belief.

Madame X

Madame X, formally titled Portrait of Madame X, is a 1884 portrait by John Singer Sargent of Virginie Amélie Avegno Gautreau, known publicly as “Madame Pierre Gautreau.”

Sargent painted it without a commission, and its 1884 Paris Salon debut drew intense controversy. Today, it remains one of The Met’s best-known portraits, famous for its poised pose and razor-sharp contrast between skin, dress, and background.

Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies

Claude Monet created this peaceful garden scene as part of his exploration of light and nature.

The painting reflects his interest in capturing fleeting moments outdoors. Its soft colors and gentle composition offer a calm contrast to more dramatic works in the museum, making it a relaxing stop during a busy visit.

Cow’s Skull: Red, White, and Blue

Georgia O’Keeffe painted Cow’s Skull: Red, White, and Blue in 1931, using a sun-bleached skull set against bold bands of color. The simple forms and sharp contrast are part of what makes the image so instantly recognizable.

In The Met’s description, bones like this represented the desert’s enduring beauty and the strength of the American spirit. The work is on view in Gallery 757.

In other news, health warnings were issued as millions in California were told to avoid sun exposure.

Plan your visit smartly

From ancient Egypt to modern America, the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art demonstrates how art has evolved over the centuries.

But before visiting The Metropolitan Museum of Art, it helps to check which artworks are currently on display.

The museum’s collection pages list gallery locations and availability, making it easier to plan your route. With so much to see, having a rough plan can help you make the most of your time inside.

Did you know? This California destination is full of hidden depth that many travelers don’t see at first glance.

If you had only 1 hour to explore the museum, which artwork would you prioritize seeing first? Tell us in the comments.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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